A Newsletter From The Arc Dane CountySupporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities for over 65 years

January 31, 2018

It takes both sides to build a bridge.

~Fredrik Nael

What's Happening at The Arc Dane County

More Family Care/IRIS Transition Information

The official enrollment period for Family Care/IRIS begins tomorrow! Populations of people with disabilities have been able to enroll early. Throughout the early enrollment process, we are continuously learning from families experiences. And there are always new questions.

The Arc Dane County is proud to work with local advocates and leaders in the field of disability rights. These individuals continue to find ways to support YOU in the Family Care/IRIS transition process. Lynn Breedlove and Dennis Harkins are both advocates and leaders in the fields of long-term care and disability rights. Lynn and Dennis created two new white papers, focused on IRIS, to clarify some questions that continue to arise.

Make certain your voice is heard! Disability Advocacy Day is designed to connect you with your legislators so you can talk about issues that matter to you. You are the expert in sharing how legislative policies affect people with disabilities in their everyday lives.

Get your dancing shoes ready for this year's Spring Ball. We will be dancing the afternoon away:

Sunday April 15th

2:00pm - 5:00pm

Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor's Club

We hope you can join us for a fun afternoon of dancing, friends and celebrating the spring season.

Tickets are available on a first come first serve basis. Don't wait to get yours, they sell out fast! Ticket Request Forms are due on or before April 3rd. Please remember to submit your emergency contact information along with your request for tickets.

We are looking for volunteers to help at this year's event. If you are interested in a fun afternoon of volunteering, please email Anne at arc.amstevens@gmail.com

Paratransit Changes - DECISION DELAYED

Metro Transit and the City of Madison Transit and Parking Commission (TPC) have been discussing proposed changes to paratransit service. At a meeting held on Wednesday, January 10, Metro staff proposed:

Delaying the paratransit fare increase until 2019

Delaying the implementation of curb-to-curb service only until 2019

Moving forward with the elimination of convenience tickets in June 2018

Moving forward with the elimination of "leave attended" service in June 2018

Commissioners discussed this updated proposal and decided to delay the decision on all of these points until later in the Spring.
Commissioners committed to making a decision on this proposal by their May meeting.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: The next Transit and Parking Commission meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 14 at 5:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 210 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Room 201, City-County Building.

Future Planning - The Arc Dane County Can Help

Do you have concerns and questions about caring for an individual with an intellectual and developmental disability? Are you an aging caregiver or do you know one? Do you have a plan in place for continued care?

The Arc's Center for Future Planning and The Arc Dane County are here to help with a new program that addresses Future Planning. Contact The Arc Dane County for information or to set up a meeting with our trained staff.
arc.amstevens@gmail.com or 608-833-1199